Bahrain's Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (Asry) has announced the signing of a service agreement with Solas Marine Services Group, which expands its range of in-yard services and also brings new business opportunities to the kingdom.

Under the agreement, Solas will build a 2,000 sq m service centre for life boats, life rafts and firefighting and life-saving appliances in Asry, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The project will commence in March and is expected to be completed in four to six months. The term of the agreement is five years.

Asry already has a leading line-up of in-yard workshops, and is investing in even more third-party set-ups in the yard, with a view to maintaining its reputation as a one-stop solution for all marine repairs, said the report.

Asry chief executive Nils Kristian Berge and technical resources and business development general manager Magdy Moustafa signed the agreement with Solas Marine Services Group general manager Sanjay Prabhu.

Berge said the agreement had been concluded under the guidance of the company's chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Daij is driving the company's initiative to diversify income through partnerships with major international companies.

Moustafa said the agreement was the first of a series planned for roll out this year.

On the new agreement, Prabhu said: "Solas will offer its services to the local market as well as Asry customers, contributing to the national income of Bahrain and further boosting training and employment opportunities for Bahrainis."-TradeArabia News Service